Category Archives: Business

Alan Cumming and Block the Merger UK urge a Stop to the Paramount Skydance/Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

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With the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance having been approved by some governments, but more to come, organizing against the deal has ramped up. Alan Cumming and Block the Merger UK has been urging individuals to speak out against the deal ahead of a decision by the UK government.

Block the Merger UK is urging people to contact the Department for Culture, Media and Sport or Ofcom and demand the merger is examined in depth.

Cumming and the organization highlight the consolidation leads to “one country” controlling a “massive slice of what we watch in Britain.” This new company would be “beholden to Donald Trump, autocrats and oligarchs.”

Concerns of job cuts are also raised and there’s still time for UK regulators to hear input from citizens.

A website has been set up with an email template and ways, and who, to contact.

Block the Merger was launched in April spinning out of a coalition of Hollywood stars and staff spoke up against the merger.

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said last month she is “minded to intervene” in the $110 billion takeover. A formal decision has not been made. If there is intervention, it’d trigger investigations by Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority, the antitrust watchdog.

But, things are up in the air as the House of Commons has gone into recess with any update by Nandy. That means things are potentially in limbo until September 1 when Parliament returns from its summer break.

Paramount has a deadline of September 30 to close the deal. If it doesn’t the price increases with a “ticking fee” that increases share cost by 25 cents per share, about $650 million, for every quarter beyond the third.

The deal could still close without UK clearance. The CMA though is investigating the merger and intends to issue an update August 7.

The deal between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery has come under heavy scrutiny this past week with a dozen attorneys general suing to stop the deal as well as the Writer’s Guild of America suing, and a third lawsuit involving shareholders.

American Mythology Comics and Fright-Rags Announce New Publishing Partnership

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American Mythology Comics has announced a brand-new publishing partnership with horror apparel and collectibles powerhouse Fright-Rags to create an exciting line of comic books inspired by the company’s beloved horror brands and original creations.

The partnership launches this Halloween with Fright-Rags Presents: Tales from the Morgue, a chilling new horror anthology that pays tribute to the classic comic magazines and pre-Code horror comics that terrified generations of readers. Hosted by The Fantom, Fright-Rags’ iconic ghoul and keeper of all things macabre, each issue will deliver spine-tingling tales of terror, twisted morality, and unforgettable frights in the grand tradition of vintage horror storytelling.

Fright-Rags Presents: Tales from the Morgue will arrive just in time for Halloween and will be available through comic book shops everywhere, on digital comic platforms, and directly from both American Mythology Comics and Fright-Rags.

Additional announcements about future Fright-Rags comic projects, creative teams, and exclusive editions will be revealed in the months ahead.

Fans can watch for preorder information soon through their local comic shops and follow both American Mythology Comics and Fright-Rags for upcoming previews and announcements.

Tales from the Morgue

Marvel to leave New York and Move to L.A.!? Stephen Wacker named new Editor-in-Chief

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The Hollywood Reporter has an exclusive that Marvel Comics is leaving the Big Apple and heading across the country to Los Angeles as part of a major shift. Employees are being asked to relocate to Burbank by next July.

Folks have been expecting major news when it comes to the future of Marvel Comics under its new leadership, and this seems to be it, an interesting choice as the publisher heads into San Diego Comic-Con which kicks off next week. It’s sure to be THE topic of conversation.

The relocation plan was revealed during a town hall meeting where employees where told that the publishing division would be moving its location. Burbank is the current headquarters of Marvel Studios as well as the its parent company The Walt Disney Company, so the consolidation makes sense as the movies/television plans become more entwined with the comic side of things.

Stephen Wacker has also been named the new editor-in-chief, replacing C.B. Cebulski who took on the role in 2017. Cebulski will remain with Marvel and head to Japan to focus on the company’s push into manga (insert Akira Yoshida joke here).

Marvel has been criticized in recent years for lack of excitement in its comic line with many feeling there’s been a creative slump.

Marvel has recently seen new leadership installed with Brad Winderbaum and David Abdo taking on leadership positions in the company. It has been expected with their installation the company would eventually shift to bring their comics, film, and television visions more aligned.

Marvel’s move is a seismic shift ending almost a century of history as New York City is where the might Marvel bullpen created the company and characters we know today.

In 2015, DC left New York City to head to Burbank.

The plan from Marvel has been in the works for some time, and the plan is to complete the relocation by July 2027.

Below is the memo sent to Marvel staff:

Team,

We just wrapped a town hall with the team in New York and wanted to share some important Marvel Comics and Franchise news with everyone.

As we look toward the future, we’ve made the decision to relocate the Comics and Franchise division to Marvel’s central headquarters in Burbank, California. This move will position the team beside our broader creative organization and create opportunities for collaboration across both Marvel and Disney. Our goal is simple: to continue to make the best comic books in the business. Bringing our comics, film, television, and other creative teams together will help us learn from one another, collaborate, and build on the strengths that make Marvel the true House of Ideas.

New York has played a huge part in who Marvel is as a company, and in the pages of our comics. While our network of writers and artists is now an international operation, New York is still woven into our DNA and that will never change. Our colleagues in New York have helped shape generations of stories and characters, and their contributions to Marvel’s legacy cannot be overstated. We sincerely hope they choose to continue that journey with us in California. We are committed to supporting every affected employee throughout this transition, which will take place over the next 12 months.

We also announced today that Stephen Wacker has been named Marvel Comics’ new Editor-in-Chief. Many of you know Stephen from his years at Marvel between 2006 and 2022. He is a tremendous editor, a passionate advocate for creators, and someone who deeply understands that Marvel Comics is the source code of our entire enterprise. Stephen will be at SDCC and will officially join us in Burbank the week of July 27 before spending time in New York the first week of August. We’re excited for everyone who doesn’t know him to get to know him.

At the same time, longtime Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski will be stepping into a new role overseeing APAC-originated graphic fiction and manga, based in Japan. This opportunity reflects both C.B.’s passion for the medium and the tremendous potential we see in that space. We’re deeply grateful for his leadership, partnership, and stewardship of the Marvel line over the past decade and are fortunate to have him spearheading this new endeavor for us.

We know this has been a year of significant change for Marvel. Through all of it, this team has continued to show up with creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to great storytelling. That commitment is the foundation of everything we do, and it’s what will carry us into this next chapter.

For our New York colleagues, we’ll be sharing additional details very soon, and we’re available to answer questions and support you through the transition.

Thank you for everything you do for Marvel and for the fans we serve.

Brad & David

Paramount Shareholders Sue David and Larry Ellison over “Illegal” Deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery

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It hasn’t been a good week for the Ellisons and Paramount Skydance with multiple lawsuits being filed regarding their attempted takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. This week, a dozen attorneys general sued claiming antitrust violations and the Writers Guild of America stepped in with a lawsuit of their own. Now, shareholders of Paramount are suing saying the father/son duo cut an “illegal” deal with President Donald Trump to secure the government’s approval of the takeover. Trump’s government approved the deal in June though there’s been some concerns raised about the approval process.

The shareholder lawsuit is attempting to block the $111 billion merger along with unspecified monetary damages. The lawsuit claims that the Ellisons promised “illegal private benefits” to President Trump in exchange for the government approval.

That side deal would include funneling money to Trump by settling his legal claims against CNN as well as firing CNN anchors Trump does not like.

The lawsuit states:

The Ellisons’ actions not only harm the reputations of the news outlets they currently own, which are hemorrhaging viewers, but they are latent liabilities waiting to be triggered by a future administration.

Paramount has responded through a spokesperson:

This lawsuit recycles allegations that have already been reported and already addressed. As we’ve said consistently: no commitments from either David or Larry Ellison have been made to any government body, State AG, or federal agency regarding the future of CNN or any other news property, other than the goal to deliver truth-based journalism.

The Warner Bros. Discovery transaction stands on its own merits. Combining these two libraries and platforms gives consumers more choice, not less — greater investment in original programming, a stronger competitor to streaming rivals, and a more durable footing for journalism and storytelling alike. We remain confident in the merger’s fundamentals and will continue toward closing.

The lawsuit not only names the Ellisons but also includes Paramount Skydance board members: Gerry Cardinale, Safra Catz, Andrew Brandon-Gordon, Paul Marinelli, John Thornton, Barbara Byrne, Andrew Campion, Justin Hamill and Sherry Lansing.

Paramount Skydance also faces a hurdle in the European Commission and the U.K. The company has attempted to address EU competition concerns such as ending a film distribution venture it has with Universe Pictures. The European Commission has extended its deadline for its decision from July 7 to July 22.

Paramount Skydance wants the deal to close before September 1, 2026 or the cost will increase the longer it drags on. The price increases 25 cents per share per quarter it’s not approved. That would add $627 million to the cost of the overall deal each quarter, or roughly $7 million per day. This lawsuit will likely drag on for months if it moves forward making it unlikely the deal will close by that date. The company has said delays could force it to renegotiate the deal’s financing, cause uncertainty for its stock price, or end the the transaction altogether.

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Zenescope Entertainment Expands its U.S. Distribution with Lunar Distribution

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Zenescope Entertainment

Zenescope Entertainment has announced the beginning of its partnership with Lunar Distribution, making Zenescope’s full line of comic books, graphic novels, collectibles, and games available to retailers across the United States.

Zenescope’s titles will be available through Lunar Distribution starting with their October 2026 releases.

Retailers will be able to access Zenescope’s products in Lunar’s Next Phase Issue Catalog going live on Friday July 24th, 2026.

Zenescope will also begin dropping-in backlist titles this Summer so fans can catch up on what they’ve missed!

The WGA has filed a lawsuit to Block the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

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Things are heating up when it comes to the Paramount Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Yesterday, a dozen attorneys general filed a lawsuit to stop the merger. On the same day, the Writers Guild of America West and Writers Guild of America East also filed a lawsuit to block the proposed merger.

In the complaint, the WGA states the merger would reduce opportunities, lower pay, and worsen working conditions for writers. They also state the merger would reduce output as well as suppress competition for writers’ work.

The WGA complaint focuses on the anticompetitive effects of the merger in three markets for writing services: anticipated top grossing films, episodic television and streaming series, and overall deals.

In June, the White House and the Department of Justice approved the merger. Oregon has been investigating Paramount Skydance’s “Project Warrior” which was focused on winning approval for the deal. They recently withdrew motions regarding their own lawsuit. It’s unknown if they’ll continue to pursue that as they are a part of antitrust lawsuit by the attorneys general.

Paramount Skydance still faces a hurdle in the European Commission and the U.K. The company has attempted to address EU competition concerns such as ending a film distribution venture it has with Universe Pictures. The European Commission has extended its deadline for its decision from July 7 to July 22.

Paramount Skydance wants the deal to close before September 1, 2026 or the cost will increase the longer it drags on. The price increases 25 cents per share per quarter it’s not approved. That would add $627 million to the cost of the overall deal each quarter, or roughly $7 million per day. This lawsuit will likely drag on for months if it moves forward making it unlikely the deal will close by that date. The company has said delays could force it to renegotiate the deal’s financing, cause uncertainty for its stock price, or end the the transaction altogether.

SDCC 2026: Scott’s Collectables joins Neon Ichiban for Commissionable Remarques

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Just days after launching Neon Ichiban 2.5 and introducing Commissionable Remarques, Neon Ichiban has announced a long-term partnership with Scott’s Collectables, bringing the agency’s acclaimed roster of comic creators—including available today Björn Barends, Chris Condon, Adam Gorham, Martin Simmonds, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Werther Dell’Edera with more to come—to the platform’s new digital commissions program.

To celebrate the partnership, Neon Ichiban will host Scott’s Collectables at Booth #2314 during San Diego Comic-Con, where fans can meet some of comics’ most celebrated creators across four days of signings while getting an early look at the future of creator commissions.

The partnership marks Neon Ichiban’s first agreement with a creator representative for Commissionable Remarques, extending one of comics’ most personal traditions beyond the convention floor. Fans can commission authenticated digital signatures and original sketches directly from creators through Neon Ichiban, creating a new year-round way for creators and fans to connect while opening an entirely new revenue stream for artists.

California leads 11 Other States in Suing to Block Paramount’s Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery

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As expected, California and 11 other states have filed a lawsuit to stop Paramount Skydance‘s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. They state that the $110 billion deal would lessen competition in film distribution and television as well as harm theaters and television distributors.

The lawsuit is being lead by California Attorney General Bonta and includes Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District for the Northern District of California and alleges the deal violates Section 7 of the Clayton Act. That focuses on lessening competition through mergers and is an attempt to prevent monopolies.

In the lawsuit the attorneys general allege:

  • Wide Release Theatrical Film Distribution, where Warner Bros. and Paramount are two of the five major film distributors and would combine for around 27% share of the market. After the merger, only three distributors will control 75% of these films and only four distributors (Defendants, Disney, Universal, and Sony) will control 86% of them.
  • Anticipated Top-Grossing Theatrical Film Distribution, a submarket of theatrical film distribution focused on anticipated blockbuster films with wide audiences and large production budgets. After the merger, Defendants will control more than 30% of these films, and four distributors (Defendants, Disney, Universal, and Sony) will control more than 90% of them.
  • Licensing Basic Cable Television Channels, or the market for distributing basic cable channels to cable and satellite providers. Warner Bros. is the second largest and Paramount is the third largest in this market, and they would combine for a 27% share.

In June, the White House and the Department of Justice approved the merger. Oregon has been investigating Paramount Skydance’s “Project Warrior” which was focused on winning approval for the deal. They recently withdrew motions regarding their own lawsuit. It’s unknown if they’ll continue to pursue that as they are a part of this.

Paramount Skydance still faces a hurdle in the European Commission and the U.K. The company has attempted to address EU competition concerns such as ending a film distribution venture it has with Universe Pictures. The European Commission has extended its deadline for its decision from July 7 to July 22.

Paramount Skydance wants the deal to close before September 30, 2026 or the cost will increase the longer it drags on. The price increases 25 cents per share per quarter it’s not approved. That would add $627 million to the cost of the overall deal each quarter, or roughly $7 million per day. This lawsuit will likely drag on for months if it moves forward making it unlikely the deal will close by that date. The company has said delays could force it to renegotiate the deal’s financing, cause uncertainty for its stock price, or end the the transaction altogether.

Moana leads the Weekend Box Office facing Choppy Waters

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Moana

Moana wasn’t likely the opening hit Disney was looking for. The latest animated film turned live-action remake opened with $43 million domestically. That’s far below the projected $75 million the movie was believed it’d open with. Other projections had $45 million to $55 million which is also didn’t achieve. Internationally, the movie grossed $52 million delivering a worldwide debut of $95 million. The belief is the film’s live-action adaptation was too soon. While other films had 20-plus years since their animated debuts, the original Moana opened just a decade ago. Those who originally enjoyed it are likely teenagers now, and not the parents with their own families like other remakes. Add in poor reviews and it all comes together for a film many will likely wait to watch on streaming.

Minions & Monsters slipped to second place with $20.5 million domestically, a 44.6% drop from the previous week. The movie has grossed $108.3 million domestically after two weeks. Internationally, the movie added $73.4 million over the week to bring that to $171.8 million. Worldwide, the movie has grossed a little over $280 million.

Toy Story 5 slipped to third place with $18.5 million to bring its domestic gross to $403.8 million. Internationally, it added $77.3 million over the week to bring that to $475.3 million. Worldwide, the movie has grossed $879.1 million giving it a good chance to cross the billion dollar mark before it’s time in theaters is over.

Evil Dead Burn opened in fourth place with $13.7 million domestically and $27 million internationally for a worldwide debut of $40.7 million.

Young Washington rounded out the top five with $6.4 million domestically where it has grossed $33.1 million. There’s no international gross.

In comic related movies…

Supergirl came in eighth place. It grossed an estimated $3.6 domestically which is now a little above $66 million. Internationally, the movie grossed $7.4 million over a week to bring that up to $49.4 million. Worldwide, the movie has grossed $115.4 million after two weeks.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu grossed an estimated $257,000 over the weekend to bring its domestic gross to $177.4 million. Internationally, the movie gained about $10.9 million to bring that to $163.1 million. Worldwide, the movie has grossed $340.5 million after five weeks. The film will wind up slightly short of Solo: A Star Wars Story was when it ended its run.

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity has grossed $4.3 million domestically. Internationally, the movie has grossed $666,183 which makes $4.9 million worldwide.

Masters of the Universe grossed $1.1 million domestically which is now $64.3 million and has also grossed $48.3 million internationally for $112.6 million worldwide.

Numbers have 62 movies grossing $127,920,333 from 31,743 theaters for an average of $4,029.88. That is compared to last week’s 61 movies grossing $156,243,872 from 33,042 theaters for an average of $4,728.65.

Rocketship Entertainment Partners with Moulin Rouge to Publish New Graphic Novels, Games, and Manga

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Facade Moulin Rouge (1 lamp) ©Moulin Rouge-D.Duguet
Facade Moulin Rouge (1 lamp) ©Moulin Rouge-D.Duguet

Rocketship Entertainment has announced its partnership with Moulin Rouge, the iconic Parisian cabaret and entertainment brand whose creative universe has captivated audiences around the world for over a century. Under the agreement, Rocketship will publish original graphic novels, manga, and tabletop games set in and inspired by the world-renowned venue.

Founded in 1889 during the Belle Époque era, the Moulin Rouge rose to international fame as the birthplace of the can-can dance and a symbol of Parisian celebration, creativity, and artistic audacity. Today, its spectacular revue continues to welcome audiences from around the world, while the Moulin Rouge brand inspires creative collaborations and cultural projects across multiple fields.

Creative teams for the graphic novels and manga, as well as details for the tabletop games, will be announced at a later date.

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